High Park Nature Centre

Nature Club Assistants will support our educators deliver outdoor programs to children ages 3 months to 16 years old or adults aged 17 years and above (depending on the club). These programs offer participants the opportunity to explore High Park and learn about natural history through nature-based experiences.

Spring 2026 Clubs Volunteer  Position Details

Opportunity type: In-person, supporting educators deliver programs (multiple positions open)

Caregiver-accompanied Early Years Nature Clubs (ages 3 months-5 years)

• Nature Baby (3-18 Months, Caregiver Accompanied) - Mondays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Weekly, Mar. 23 – Jun. 15, 11 Sessions, No Nature Baby on Victoria Day)
• Nature Baby (3-18 Months, Caregiver Accompanied) - Tuesdays: 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Weekly, Mar. 24 - Jun. 9, 12 Sessions)
• Nature Baby (3-18 Months, Caregiver Accompanied) - Thursdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Weekly, Mar. 26 - Jun. 18, 12 Sessions
• Waddlers (18 Months - 3 Years, Caregiver Accompanied) - Tuesdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Weekly, Mar. 24 - June 16, 12 Sessions)
• Knee-high Naturalists (3 - 5 Years, Caregiver Accompanied) - Wednesdays: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Weekly, Mar. 25 - Jun. 17, 12 Sessions)
• Knee-high Naturalists (3 - 5 Years, Caregiver Accompanied) - Saturdays: 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. (Weekly, Mar. 28 - Jun. 20, 12 Sessions)
• Fox & Kits (18 Months - 5 years, Caregiver Accompanied) - Fridays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Weekly, Mar. 27 - Jun. 19, 11 Sessions, No Fox & Kits on Good Friday)
• Red Fox & Kits (18 Months - 5 years, Caregiver Accompanied) - Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Weekly, Mar. 28 - Jun. 20, 12 Sessions)
• Grey Fox & Kits (18 Months - 5 years, Caregiver Accompanied) - Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Weekly, Mar. 28 - Jun. 20, 12 Sessions)

Drop-Off School Age Nature Clubs (ages 4-11 years)

• Chipmunks (4 - 5 Years, Drop-off) - Saturdays: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. (Weekly, Mar. 28 - Jun. 20, 12 Sessions)
• Racoons (6 - 8 Years, Drop-off) - Saturdays: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. (Weekly, Mar. 28 - Jun. 20, 12 Sessions)
• Coyotes (9 - 11 Years, Drop-off) - Saturdays: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. (Weekly, Mar. 28 - Jun. 20, 12 Sessions)

Adult Nature Clubs (Ages 17+)

• Adult Rangers (17+) - Thursdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Weekly, Apr 16 - Jun. 18, 10 Sessions)
• Savannah Seniors (65+) - Tuesdays: 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. (Weekly, Apr 28 - Jun 2, 6 Sessions)

Commitment: Anywhere from 6 to 12 sessions or 18 to 36 hours, depending on the club (mid-March to mid-June)

Age requirements: 15 years of age or older

Location: High Park Nature Centre - Forest School, 375 Colborne Lodge Drive

What You’ll Be Doing as a Volunteer
Please see our Nature Clubs webpage for club schedules and age group descriptions:

• Assisting staff to deliver outdoor nature interpretation programs and activities for children between ages 6 months to 16 years or adults ages 17 years and above (depending on the club);
• Role modeling respect and appreciation for the natural world;
• Aiding with set up and clean up before and after the program.
  

How to Excel as a Volunteer with the Nature Centre

• Experience or interest in working with children in an educational/recreational setting;
• Excellent oral communication skills and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to climb steep slopes and walk rugged terrain;
• Ability to be outside in all weather conditions (e.g. rain, sunshine, extreme heat);
• Dedication to and understanding of environmental issues ;
• Nature interpretation skills, knowledge of local ecology is a strong asset;
  
• Must be 15 years of age or older;
• Valid police record check for individuals 18 years and older. 
  

Please note: Some of our programs may be physically demanding including lifting/carrying programs materials up to 30lbs, longer hikes on uneven terrain, sitting/standing/running for extended periods of time, etc. If you require physical accommodations, please reach out to us.

What Volunteers Can Gain at the Nature Centre

• Orientation/training session prior to the start of your volunteering;
• An opportunity to learn from and shadow Outdoor Educators;
• An opportunity to learn about the ecology of High Park;
• Reference letter can be provided at your request;
• Completion of high school volunteer hours;
• An I 💚 High Park t-shirt after 35 hours of volunteering;
• Police record check reimbursement after 10 hours of volunteering;
• Attractions Ontario membership benefits.

Commitment
Fall Volunteers commit to supporting clubs from September through to December.  Depending on the club, you’ll support between 10 to 12 sessions. Total volunteer hours for the fall season is between 25 and 36 hours, depending on the club. Volunteers must be able to commit to volunteering for all weeks of the specific nature club.

New volunteers must also commit to attending an hour-long, in-person orientation. Volunteer orientation sessions for the Fall 2025 season will typically take place on Thursday evenings or Saturday afternoons, pending availability and demand.